Named after the ancient Roman goddess of fruit, Pomona was originally inhabited by the Tongva people before being settled in the 1830s when California was part of Mexico. By the 1920s, it was known as the “Queen of the Citrus Belt” due to its agricultural industry and became a popular destination for major motion picture studios to preview their films.
Things to do in Pomona
More than 10,000 pieces of pottery are housed in the American Museum of Ceramic Art, which was founded in 2003. In addition to ceramic pieces from across California, it boasts one of the world’s largest collections of Mettlach wares. Admire the famous “Panorama of the Pomona Valley” mural and check to see what’s happening in the ceramics studio where artist workshops and educational programs are held.
A short walk away is the Latino Art Museum, where you’ll find an impressive collection of works by contemporary Latin-American artists living in the United States. See abstract paintings by Mati Russo and Juan Manuel Guerrero or attend one of the hands-on art classes catering to both adults and kids. Pomona College is home to the Benton Museum of Art, which exhibits everything from Italian Renaissance paintings to Native American artefacts.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, you can cool off at Raging Waters Los Angeles, which boasts more than 50 water-themed rides, slides and attractions. Thrill-seekers can brave California’s only hydromagnetic water coaster, the “Aqua Rocket”, while little ones can let loose in the toddler-friendly play area.
Getting around Pomona
Pomona is around 30 minutes' drive from the centre of Los Angeles and an hour from Los Angeles International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Long-distance and commuter trains connect to the Pomona railway station and buses travel throughout the city.